Nuforce step up from Sunfire for B&W 803N?

It's only rated at 190/300wpc but obviously power isn't everything...
Jeffkad (Threads | Answers)

Doubling power as impedance halves is sometimes everything, especially when the speakers being mated have significant impedance dips and spikes. The N803 impedance dip to 2-3 ohms should be a concern.

This should be considered when matching speakers to the NuForce Ref9V2SE.

I auditioned the Ref9V2SE with speakers that are 8 ohm nominal, but have dips below 5 ohms.

Compared with amps that double power as impedance is halved, the NuForce amps produced unbalanced frequency response that was light in the bass, resulting in a tipped up sound.

Otherwise the NuForce amps sounded very good.

They are worth an audition. Just pay particular attention to tonal balance on the B&W speakers.

Jeffkad, the NuForce amps are available with an essentially no-cost home audition via the NuForce Demo program (you pay for shipping). Why not try them for yourself?

The bass impact issue is one that might be affected by the power output specs of the NuForce Ref9V2SE, but you should hear the combo to decide for yourself.

The Spectron amp doubles power output into 4 ohms, although it does not double again into 2 ohms, but nevertheless it will likely produce better tonal balance on your speakers than will the NuForce, IMO.

If you're looking predominantly at chip amps, you might consider the H20 Audio monoblocks (which are also available with a home trial). These amps also double power output as impedance is halved.

03-02-09: Jeffkad
Not sure what you meant by "The bass impact issue is one that might be affected by the power output specs of the NuForce Ref9V2SE". Did you mean affected positively (more impact) or negatively (less impact).

I meant negatively due to the fact that the NuForce will produce less volume in the bass frequencies relative to the mids and highs, therefore potentially resulting in a presentation that lacks bass weight and punch as compared with some other amps that we've discussed.

I understand wanting to buy used. I've done it myself for five years.

However, before you dismiss the idea of using the NuForce home demo program, take the time to contact a NuForce dealer. You might be surprised at the possibilities. I know I was.

...or buy a used pair of Ref9V2SE and try them. Keep them if you like them, or resell them if you don't.

There's no universally correct answer for which component will be best for every system and every listener. There are better choices based on electrical specs, but even these can be tossed out the window based on a listener's personal preference.

At some point, you have to dive in and do the listening in your system with components that interest you.

Good luck.

Not really.

It takes some luck to buy-and-try, mix-and-match used gear on Audiogon if you're going to buy gear based primarily on what's available at a good price, rather than on what is known to have proper synergy.

Sometimes the saying, "buy cheap...buy again" is brutally true.

Believe me. I've been there.

FWIW, when I auditioned the NuForce amps, the price the dealer offered unsolicited when I was ready to return the amps was less than they were selling for used on Audiogon.

No, I won't disclose the dealer's name.

This is my system:
Loudspeakers:
Silverline Sonata III loudspeakers

Amplification:
Pass Labs XA-60.5 monoblocks, Lamm L2 Reference preamp, Heed Quasar Phono preamplifier

Sources:
APL Denon 3910 Universal Player, Music Hall 25.2 modded by PartsConnexion as a transport, KAB Technics SL1210 MK II w/Dynavector XX2 MK2, KAB Fluid Damper, KAB Cardas Tonearm Rewire, KAB Power Supply
Squeezebox SB3 wirelessly connected to MacBook Pro

Cabling:
Purist Audio Venustas RCA ICs, KCI Silkworms ICs, Oyaide PA-02 balanced ICs, Gregg Straley Reality Cables bi-wire speaker cable

Power Cords:
Oyaide Tunami GPX power cables (amps, digital transport, phono preamp), Tekline Reference PC (APL Denon 3910), BMI Hammerhead MK II (preamp)

A/C:
Two 20A dedicated outlets, Environmental Potentials EP-2050 whole house AC filter/surge suppressor, Alan Maher Designs Reference Power Center V2

Stands, Isolation, Coupling:
Salamander Synergy Cabinet w/ sorbothane treated shelf supports, Sistrum SP-101 stands under speakers, Timberation 2” maple platforms w/Mapleshade 2” brass cones under amps, Neuance isolation shelves for digital source, preamp, and preamp power supply, Galibier Design/Timbernation sandbox under turntable